"Lloyd stop it he's dead!" Colette shouted as her friend turned around and stared straight through her.

He slowly made his way toward her as his laughter started to fill the darkness. He darted toward her, his blades dowsed in the blood of the demon glistening against what little light there was. His sword pierced straight through her as if she was nothing more than paper.

Lloyd suddenly awoke from his nightmare. Cold sweat pouring from every inch of his skin. He looked at the clock on the wall. It was 4 am. He glanced over to his side were Sheena lay. There was a giant grin on her face as she slept. With a sigh he got up to where he had left his boots and swords.

Ash he began to strap up his boots Sheena began to stir.

"Hey...what are you doing?" she said as she rubbed her eyes

"Getting ready to go" he simply stated

"What do you mean...Are you saying that after what happened last night you're just going to up and leave?" she asked as he secured his belts around his waist

"You knew I'd be doing this."

"Yeah, but I thought you'd at least want to talk things through first!"

He sighed before brushing the hair out of his face. "Look Sheena. I meant every word I said last night, but I have to do this. We can wait until this is done." he said as he headed for the doorway

"Lloyd you said you loved me last night" she said following him before she grabbed him and spun him around "Do those words mean nothing to you?"

Lloyd looked away from her before sighing "Of course it means something to me...I...need to do this for myself...for Colette." he said as she rested her head on his chest

"Promise me you'll be ok..."

"Sheena..."

"Just promise me...please" she asked as tears began to cascade down her face.

He pulled her into a hug and kissed her forehead. "As long as you are here. I will always come back...I...promise" he said hating that word. Everytime he did promise he would always break it eventually.

"Why can't you wait until it's morning...please just be with me a little longer."

"If I don't go now. I never will" he said leaving her embrace. "I'll be back before you know it." he said with a smile before heading for the doorway

"Lloyd" she called after him. He turned and looked at her "I love you"

He smiled "I love you too." he said before leaving

She felt the tears well up again before she fell to her knees. It didn't take long for the tears to freely flow down her cheeks.

Outside

Lloyd drew his material blades. A sword from each of his fathers. Holding them up against the moonlight they began to shine before they disappeared and formed the Eternal Sword.

"What do you ask of your sword, master of the pact?" a voice seemingly from nowhere asked

"I wish to travel to Derris Kharlan. Is that possible?"

"My power has increased since you last called upon me, yet it may still be difficult. Do you still wish to try?"

"I have to"

"Very well. Prepare yourself." the sword said once more as a light began to shine around Lloyd. He soon disappeared.

Derris Kharlan

Kratos Aurion had had a difficult time since the defeat of Mithos. After removing the Cruxis Crystals from the angels he had trouble getting their obedience. Most resented him due to him being a human who took away all their power. Of course none were brave enough to say it to his face.

This day had been just as bad as any other. The half elves running to him for the smallest of problems. He had wished for something different to happen one day, just as he began to ponder on what life could have been he heard a knock at his door

"Come in" he answered as he sorted out several pictures of his son and wife

"I am sorry to disturb you Lord Kratos. A visitor has appeared. He claims to be your son" Kratos turned quickly

"Is this your idea of a joke?" he said drawing his sword

"No Lord Kratos. There truly is a visitor claiming to be your son Lloyd"

"Show me" he said resheathing his sword before following the half elf out to where the young man was waiting

"Lloyd..." he said in disbelief as his son nodded

"It is good to see you father."

"What...How...Why are you here?" he asked clearly still in shock

"It would be best if I explained to you in private" he said noticing the half elves who had become interested in the visitor

"Yes of course...follow me" Kratos said as the 2 swordsmen walked down the hallway

Later

"I see...How are you coping?" Kratos said as his son looked down at his feet.

"Until recently not very well. I have Sheena now who has comforted me immensely"

"I see...She has returned your favor"

Lloyd smiled a little "That is how she refers to it."

"I'm happy you found someone...I am sure the chosen is aswell."

Lloyd thought back to Colette's last words "I hope so...I don't mean to be rude Dad, but could I have your Devil arms?"

"Of course Lloyd." Kratos said getting up and heading over to a sword rack handing him the Soul-Eater. "I'm afraid the Fafnir dagger is on the otherside of Derris Kharlan"

Lloyd wrapped up the Soul-Eater and nodded "Please show me"

Kratos got up and the 2 headed out of the building. They walked for several miles until they got to their destination

"This is..." Lloyd said as he stood in the vast hall.

"Mithos castle, correct. After the battle I had Zelos hide the Fafnir blade at his thrown. I'm not sure where though."

"Then lets go look for it" Lloyd said as he headed up the stairway where a great dragon once sat.

Walking up those stairs and through that gateway brought back many memories for Lloyd. He smiled as he thought about the determination everyone shared as they came through this archway.

"Don't dawdle" Kratos said only to get a head shake from Lloyd before he ran to catch up

The 2 soon teleported up to where Mithos...Yggdrasil was waiting for them all those years ago.

"Do you have any idea where Zelos hid the weapon?"

"None, but knowing him it won't be hidden very well." Kratos said with a slight chuckle

Lloyd smiled a little before he began his search. It took them very little time to find the blade. Zelos had hidden it under a piece of cloth, not the best hiding place but it did help Lloyd.

"Finally...I have them all." he said as he wrapped the dagger up and placed it in his pack with the others.

"Now what do you plan to do?" Kratos asked as Lloyd put the pack over his shoulder once more.

"Now I go to the Temple of Darkness to seal these away forever." he said before heading to the warp again.

"Wasn't that Abyssions plan?" Kratos asked as his son stopped in his tracks

"He wanted to take Neblims power. I want to destroy it." Lloyd said turning to his father

"Then let me accompany you back to your world. To ease my mind."

'Why can't anyone let me do things alone?' Lloyd asked himself.

"Fine...It would do you good to see the others." he said before drawing the material blades and forming The Eternal Sword once more.

"Do you wish to return?" Origin asked

"Yes I would like you to transport my father and I back"

"Prepare yourselves" the voice said as the 2 began to disappear only to reform back outside Mizuho.

"Mizuho..." Kratos said under his breath not really believing that he was back

"I better go to Sheena...Maybe you'd like to come to."

Kratos smiled "You've grown up so much since I last saw you"

"I'm 27 dad. I grew up a long time ago."

"I know...it's just an old man feeling nostalgic"

Lloyd laughed "You look good for over 4,000 years old dad" Kratos joined him as they entered Mizuho.

Sheena was talking to Genis when she saw the 2 swordsmen enter the town. Tears formed in her eyes again, but rather than run over to him and kiss him like she really wanted to, she simply walked over to the 2 and bowed

"I am glad to see you have returned safe"

"I told you I'd come back" he said as

"You kept your promise." She said smiling. "It is good to see you aswell Kratos"

"It is good to see you to Sheena. Lloyd had told me about your...relationship"

Sheena blushed a little "Yes...but that is not important now. I assume that you have succeeded with reclaiming the last of the devil arms."

"Yes I have...I will be leaving for the Temple of Darkness soon." Lloyd said making Sheenas head drop

"You'll be going alone I assume." she asked raising her head to look him in the eye

"Yes...and you know why"

She sighed "I can't say I agree..."

"Sheena..."

"But if it's what you want." she said with a sly smile that had escaped Lloyds notice, but not Kratos.

"Then I'll be on my way." Lloyd said. He was about to leave before Sheena grabbed his hand

"At least have something to eat before you go."

"I..." before Lloyd could answer Kratos spoke for him

"It has been a long time since I last ate a decent meal. We are more than happy to oblige."

"Then I will inform the chefs. Lloyd show Kratos to my home." she said before leaving the 2.

"Chefs? Sheena never struck me as someone who would allow anyone to do things for her." Kratos said as he and his son headed to the chiefs hut.

Lloyd chuckled "I suppose a lot has happened in the last 10 years."

The 2 entered the hut and sat waiting for the leader of the village to come. They didn't wait long.

"It will be along shortly I hope Fried Rice is good enough for you."

"That will be more than acceptable. Thank you" Kratos said

"Dad was just comenting on the fact you are letting people cater for you. It's not like the Sheena either of us remember."

Sheena blushed a little "If I had my way I'd help with the chores, but they wont let me. I dunno why"

"Well it is good to see that somethings dont change" Kratos said making the other 2 smile.

Before they could talk any longer the food had arrived. The smell of the fried rice reminded all three of the times they shared travelling. It didn't take them long to eat their meal and Kratos was more than satisfied with it.

"It has been too long since I have eaten so well." he said still chewing on some of the rice.

"I can see." Lloyd said staring at the stray bits of rice that covered his fathers face.

Sheena giggled as the 4,037 year old brushed the food from his face.

"Thank you for the meal Sheena. I will be on my way now" Lloyd said standing

"Wait Lloyd. I want to give you something" she said standing up with him. She pulled something from her pocket and handed it to him.

"This is..."

"Corrines bell. I...I...want you to bring this back to me."

"Sheena...I can't take this"

"Your not taking it...your borrowing it." she said closing his fist around the bell "Bring it back to me ok?" she asked before hugging him.

"I will." he said placing it in one of his pockets. Before heading to the door.

Kratos stood as well. "I shall excuse myself aswell. Thank you for your hospitality." he said before heading for the door aswell

"Kratos wait. I need your help with something."

Lloyd

Lloyd stood looking up at the great tunnel that lead to the Temple of Darkness. He remembered all that had happened here all those years ago and found it hard to even move. He finally plucked up enough courage and entered.

With every step he took deeper into the complex he could feel chills running down his spine. Every noise had his heart racing and he never let go off his swords. As he entered the vast hall he saw several monsters look at him, but they seemed easy around him. No. They were scared of him. They didn't seem to want to attack.

Lloyd ignored them and slowly made his way past them. As he continued down he noticed more monsters backing away from him. He soon began to feel uneasy and quickened his pace. As he did he heard something behind him he quickly turned and was about to attack until he saw the 3 that stood infront of him.

"Why am I not surprised?" he said as the three tried to avoid his gaze

"I...grew worried." Kratos said looking back up to his son

"Yeah...we thought you could use our help" Genis said with a sheepish grin

"I wanted to make sure you brought Corrines bell back." Sheena said avoiding his gaze as much as possible

"You should go...now." Lloyd said as Sheena shook her head

"Ok then you go by yourself" Sheena said turning back to him. The others looked at her in shock "I'll just follow you on my own"

Lloyd and Genis laughed a little remembering back to the first time they had met Kratos

'They are well suited, just as I thought' Kratos thought to himself

Lloyd pushed some hair from his face and let out a sigh "I guess I can't stop you can I?"

"You should have known that from the moment you came back to Mizuho" she said with a smile before they all made their way down to the lower level of the temple.

As they began to aproach Shadow's seal Lloyd suddenly stopped in his tracks

"Lloyd what's wrong?" Sheena asked.

He didn't answer he simply made his way toward the seal. Opening his pack he began to take the weapons out one at a time. Placing them in a way that seemed all too familiar

"Isn't that how Abyssion set up the devil arms before..." Genis said before Lloyd turned to them and started saying something in an ancient language.

"What's he doing?" Sheena asked staring at disbelief at what Lloyd was doing

"It is as I feared." Kratos said drawing his sword

"What are you doing Kratos?" both Genis and Sheena said in unison

"That is not Lloyd standing in front of us. At least it is not his soul."

"Then whos is it?" Sheena asked as Lloyd began laughing

He lifted his head, his eyes both glowing bright red. His laughter continued as the Neblim blades appeared in his hands.

"It's Neblim. As far as I can tell after the Blade Dancer was released from it's seal Neblims power that was stored in his blades made his way into Lloyd. Corrupting him. I had heard tales of this over the years. I had hoped it was nothing more than a fairy tale."

"No luck there then" Genis said pulling out his favourite Kedama

Lloyd slowly made his way over to the 3, still laughing. He soon burst forward and slashed at Kratos who barely managed to defend himself. Lloyds second attack knocked Kratos sword straight from his hand, but before he could hit him he was hit in the side with a fireball.

Lloyd looked over to the black mage before laughing again. The Neblim blades disapeared and were replaced by the Diablo axe. He ran full tilt at his best friend. Genis managed to avoid the worst of his attacks, although he was strong he was not used to fighting with an axe making him vulnerable.

Kratos had regained his bearings and his sword and began running to where his son now stood.

"Lloyd..." Sheena said in disbelief as she watched the man she loved become someone, no, something else.

The Neblim blades once again returned to his hands. As he jumped into the air preparing for his patented Rising Falcon. Only to be knocked down by Kratos Victory Light Spear.

Lloyd was quick to his feet as the Apocalypse grieves appeared on his shins. With a swift kick Genis was left unconscious. The grieves disappeared and the Soul-Eater appeared in his right hand as two of the greatest swordsman prepared to duel.

"Lloyd don't do this" Kratos said as his son ran full tilt at him.

It had been a while since Kratos had fought properly and it showed. Lloyd was too fast for Kratos who could barely defend against each blow. Once again Kratos sword was knocked from his hand leaving him with only his shield. Lloyd laughter continued as he drew his blade back before thrusting it into his fathers stomach. A sudden gust of wind followed knocking Kratos to the ground.

That is when Lloyd looked over to Sheena who had been watching the battle in disbelief.

"Lloyd why are you doing this?" she asked as he laughed again.

"The one you call Lloyd is no more." he replied, but it was as if someone else was speaking.

"What have you done with him?" she asked drawing a set of cards

"He resides as part of me now."

"Give him back. NOW!" she shouted as Efreet appeared next to her.

"And why should I do that?" he asked as Sylph appeared next to Efreet

"If you don't..." she said as Volt appeared "You'll be sorry" she finished as Celsius appeared

"Do you really think those meager summon spirits can stop me?" He asked as Gnome made his way to the battle field shortly followed by Udine

"They managed to stop Abyssion" she said as Luna and Aska appeared.

"Abyssion?" Lloyd said with a laugh as Shadow appeared "Abyssion was a fool who couldn't control my power." He said as Maxwell appeared. "I was the one that destroyed him. He was not worthy of my power!" Finally Origin appeared above the others.

Each summon spirit began giving there mana to the summoner who was struggling to keep it under control. Lloyd smiled as his opponent began to shine with the light of mana. As an aura of white light began to surround her a dark aura began to surround Lloyd as they both held their hands in a pose ready to release the mana that was now building up.

"I'm sorry Lloyd..." she said as she focused all this mana into an attack she fired at Lloyd.

Lloyd laughed as he did exactly what she did, his mana beam was made of pure dark energy.

The two masses of Mana collided each as powerful as the other. The monsters who had watched the battle were all destroyed by the light that was coming from this attack.

"I am impressed." Lloyd said "but this power is my own, I will last much longer than you will woman!"

Sheena pushed harder as more Mana came from her only for Lloyd to push it back into the middle.

'Don't give up Sheena.' A voice said in the back of her mind

"C-Colette?" Sheena asked in disbelief

The voice giggled 'Yup it's me. Lloyd needs you now. I wasn't able to save him from Neblim, but I know you can.'

"How can I?"

'Remember the Temple of Martel in Iselia...' Colette replied before disappearing

"Temple of Martel?" she said before a thought struck her "Wandering spirit. In search of the power of the heart. I call thee. Come Verius!" Sheena shouted as a blinding light filled the area forcing even Lloyd to turn away.

"Why do you call me?" the summon spirit asked

"Isn't it kind of obvious?" Sheena replied as her mana began to weaken

"I can only help in matters of the heart Sheena. This is not my place."

"Lloyd has lost his heart thanks to the evil magic of Neblim. If this isn't something you can help with I don't know what is!"

Verius looked over to Lloyd, he was clearly not the same person as the spirit remembered. It closed it's eyes for a moment as it read the hearts of those around

"I understand now...I will lend you my power." he said as he became light and entered Sheenas body. This sudden rush of power was enough to push Lloyd and his mana back

"Lloyd I'm sorry" she said as she used the last of her mana in a huge push against his power. With a final explosion both Lloyd and Sheena were knocked back into the darkness.

Hehe I guess I'll end this here on a bit of a cliffy. The mana cannon (or at least when Sheena did it) always reminds me of Dragonball Z. The last scene was based on the Gohan and Cell Kamehameha battle as you may have guessed.

Anyway I hope your enjoying please R/R.